OTTUMWA, Iowa (Interstat) — The Indian Hills Warriors remained undefeated Friday night, overcoming a sharp-shooting first half from the Salt Lake Community College Bruin Bears to secure a 77-70 victory in a men’s junior college basketball game.

The game was a tale of two halves, defined by contrasting offensive strategies. Salt Lake built its early lead on the strength of its three-point shooting, while Indian Hills methodically worked its way to the free-throw line to mount a second-half comeback.

Salt Lake came out firing, connecting on 12 three-pointers in the game. Makuei Riek was a primary catalyst, scoring 16 points, many from beyond the arc. The Bruin Bears led 35-32 at halftime, but their offensive efficiency waned after the break.

The undefeated Warriors adjusted, exploiting their size and aggression to attack the basket. This strategy paid dividends at the free-throw line, where Indian Hills attempted 28 free throws, making 23. Salt Lake, by contrast, struggled profoundly from the charity stripe, converting only 8 of 19 attempts. That 15-point disparity at the line ultimately proved to be the decisive factor in a game decided by seven points.

Taj Au-Duke led a balanced Indian Hills scoring attack with 16 points, adding six rebounds and three assists. KJ LaMonte also scored 16 points, capitalizing on his trips to the free-throw line. Chiang Ring provided a strong interior presence with 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

For Salt Lake, Muhammed Jobe posted a solid all-around performance with 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Danny Young Jr. matched Riek’s scoring output with 16 points.

Despite an identical number of possessions, 68 for each team, Indian Hills was the more efficient offensive squad. The Warriors posted an offensive rating of 112.7 compared to Salt Lake’s 102.9. Indian Hills also won the battle on the glass, outrebounding the Bruin Bears 38 to 30.

The loss drops Salt Lake to a season record of 1-4. The Bruin Bears will look to rebound quickly as they host Central Arizona on Saturday. Indian Hills, now 6-0, travels to face Snow College on Saturday. The victory fulfilled the expectations of Interstat’s ELO system, which had projected the Warriors with a 79.50 percent probability to win.